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From: STEVE LIBERT
Category: Shipwreck Research
Date: 12 Dec 2007
Time: 00:34:50
Remote Name: 68.100.22.75
Brendon,
It is indeed a great feeling to agree to disagree on the ASA while maintaining friendships. I believe we all appreciate that, I know I do. As I have stated before, your site is a wonderful gateway to express these opinions.
I hope to post next week Great Lakes Exploration’s and Michigan’s final briefs for the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals on the ship believe to be “Le Griffon.” This case is in the Federal Court system for all who are not aware. Michigan had claimed that they own all shipwrecks located on their bottomlands regardless of being abandoned or not. Now, thanks to our well-versed attorney on admiralty claims, the State of Michigan backed stepped and added abandoned shipwrecks. There are still issues with abandoned wrecks that are in the constructive possession of the State vs. actual possession. The United States Supreme Court made this legal issue very clear although the Western District and the State of Michigan has ignored the ruling. Assuming this is “Le Griffon,” the State of Michigan has gone as far to claim ownership title to this sovereign French ship over that of the sovereign, France! Michigan has also claimed my thirty years research. The justification being since I researched in State funded institutions they have a legal right to my intellectual knowledge!
Brendon, this is a very fascinating subject. I however have to agree with Harry, Paul and Tim on many of their points. Sorry I do not have the time tonight to elaborate. Your points are valid and I respect that however a few of your points lack subject matter on the merits.
Keep up the great work Brendon!
Steve